John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

31 Genetically Modified Organisms

Objectives

By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe how recombinant DNA technology can be used to change the characteristics of an organism.
  2. Describe examples and concerns associated with genetically modified crops.

Part 1: Genetically Modified Organisms – Making a transgenic organism

In part 1 of Genetically Modified Organisms, we review the basic process of how to make a transgenic organism. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Part 2: Genetically Modified Organisms – Examples and Concerns

In part 2 of Genetically Modified Organisms, we review several examples of genetically modified crops.The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Reading:

Harvest of Fear (2001). NOVA/Frontline Special Report.
Should we grow GM crops?
Engineer a crop
Viewpoints.

“How to feed a hungry world.” (2010) Nature 466:531-532.

“Regulation must be revolutionized.” (2010) Nature 466:561.

Assignment: How to feed a hungry world?

Read “How to feed a hungry world” and “Regulation must be revolutionized” and then within your discussion group, consider the example of Golden Rice.  Golden Rice has improved nutritional properties that will prevent blindness and death. The current approval process could take many years to ensure safety of the product, but traditional agricultural methods are associated with some safety risks such as exposure to chemical pesticides and herbicides or contamination. What regulatory criteria should a genetically modified food source meet in order to be available for consumption?

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